Why do you need to contact a diversity recruitment counselor? They aren't ALO's. Besides; ALO's are very aware of diversity desires at the academy. Your application is going to include all the diversity information about you that the academy needs. Unless you don't put it in there.

And for what it's worth, be very careful when referring to "Diversity". Unfortunately, too many applicants, parents, lurkers, etc... believe "Diversity" simply means "Minorities and Women". It doesn't. Diversity also means the "Farm boy"; the "Single parent applicant"; the "1st generation American"; the "1st generation to go to college"; the list goes on. There's a lot of things that makes an individual "Diverse". The goal of the academies and the military in general, is that the officer corp be as diverse as the enlisted corp (Those they are going to lead). And ultimately, that the military be as diverse as the country as a whole.

The goal of the academies and the military in general, is that the officer corp be as diverse as the enlisted corp (Those they are going to lead). And ultimately, that the military be as diverse as the country as a whole.

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I hope that's not THE goal.... otherwise we have centuries of failure to celebrate...

I hope that's not THE goal.... otherwise we have centuries of failure to celebrate...

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That's always been the goal. The crux of it, is ensuring that standards aren't compromised in achieving the goal. Such as the disaster in the past called: "Affirmative Action".

The military knows that they'll never have a military that is a complete mirror of the country. Especially from the economic class. Less rich kids join the military than poor. And they know that while 50% of the country are women, they'll never get 50% of the military to be women. That's also not practical, in past years, because of the nature of the job. (That could change with some of the political BS in the works).

But the military has always strived for it's personnel to be representative of society. Just because it's not always possible or practical doesn't mean it's not a goal. I know there are plenty of people that will argue that the academies and military should simply take the most and highest qualified applicants; regardless of race, gender, color, eco/socio background, etc... That's nice, but it's not going to happen. Especially in an "All Volunteer" force where there are MORE than enough applicants vs positions.

No I don't. But I'm sure you're going to tell me. Instead of just making a statement. Maybe I can be a little proactive in my reply.

The air force has always dealt with minorities, women, and other forms of diversity. At least since the 70's. Of course, they don't like to talk too much about the details. That would make some people believe that there's something unfair about it. "Reverse Discrimination".

As for the prep school, the academy tries to get individuals that they believe would make good cadets; however, they usually have something lacking that's holding them back from getting a direct appointment. Usually, it's academics in math and/or science. The fact that they use the prep school as an opportunity to bring in more minorities who have great potential overall, but they are lacking in an area, is a decision they've made.

But when it comes to diversity, the military definitely wants a more diverse demographic. That includes the academies. Not saying I agree 100% with their decisions or even their motives. But that is a fact. And don't mistake my lack of opinion on something as an automatic approval of it. There are things that I have to be careful not to go into detail in on this forum. It's not looked on to kindly by admissions. (But I have Steve "Flieger" to keep me in line.) LOL!!! But generally speaking, the military is very much interested in diversity. And as such, the academies are equally committed to making the academy more diverse. Fortunately, they only have direct control over approximately 50% of the appointments. But as long as they are not changing or reducing the standards to meet their goal, I'm OK with it.

And for what it's worth, be very careful when referring to "Diversity". Unfortunately, too many applicants, parents, lurkers, etc... believe "Diversity" simply means "Minorities and Women". It doesn't. Diversity also means the "Farm boy"; the "Single parent applicant"; the "1st generation American"; the "1st generation to go to college"; the list goes on. There's a lot of things that makes an individual "Diverse". The goal of the academies and the military in general, is that the officer corp be as diverse as the enlisted corp (Those they are going to lead). And ultimately, that the military be as diverse as the country as a whole.

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You'll have to strike the "single parent applicant" out here unfortunately, since none of us can be married nor be responsible for dependents.

One of my biggest problems with the whole "officer corps be as diverse as the enlisted corps" is that the Asian American population is already underrepresented in the enlisted corps. I think I've seen more Asian American CG officers than enlisted personnel, and only a few at that.

You'll have to strike the "single parent applicant" out here unfortunately, since none of us can be married nor be responsible for dependents.

One of my biggest problems with the whole "officer corps be as diverse as the enlisted corps" is that the Asian American population is already underrepresented in the enlisted corps. I think I've seen more Asian American CG officers than enlisted personnel, and only a few at that.

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The problem with forums, is that undoubtedly, nothing ever comes out the way it was meant.

As a mom of a cadet who is female and both Asian American and Native Hawaiian, I never know quite how to weigh in on this topic of diversity without sounding defensive, righteous, self-centered...But I've done alot of reading on the benefits of diversity (broadly defined) in the workplace and there are many studies that have been done that indicate that diversity in opinion and frame of reference in leadership creates a better work environment, collaboration and teamwork. So I think diversity is a good thing, but I know it is a touchy subject when so many very qualified persons are vying for so few spots.
To the OP, if you're what the Academy wants in its diversity profile, you'll be contacted. My daughter was contacted out of the blue and offered a spot in the Diversity Visitation Program. We never knew it existed before and certainly didn't solicit it.
And at the risk of sounding defensive (I'm really just very proud of her), as far as lowering standards for targeted "diversity" applicants, my daughter is an IC, an member of the Academy Scholars Program and on the Sup's List. I don't think they lowered the standard to admit her.